Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Immunology

Role Summary

Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Immunology leads research projects through to the clinic, guides top-priority programs with strong clinical and commercial potential, and mentors global drug discovery teams. The role sits on the GI DDU Leadership Team and requires building a connected project view aligned with TA strategy, while representing core expertise to stakeholders and external partners. Based in Cambridge, MA with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more ‘Top 10’ drug discovery projects, overseeing the entire drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development.
• Articulate and own the project strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy for future portfolio investment within Inflammation and Immunology, advising on Top 10 project selections.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project and partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy and understand and align with the commercial team for asset value.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project teams, stimulating enterprise thinking and professional growth.
• Mentor future and more junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners to drive project delivery.
• Drive pipeline and enterprise impact through effective partnering with internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful Top 10 Project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the matrixed drug discovery team.
• Become a world leading scientific expert in the projects you lead.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize drug discovery efforts.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements, applying knowledge to enhance drug discovery strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions and industry partners, including serving on external governance committees.
• Represent Takeda externally for the GI Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit and evaluate external opportunities as an ambassador for Takeda’s brand.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific discipline with 15+ years of experience, or MS with 21+ years, or BS with 23+ years of experience.
• 10–12 years of industry and subject matter expertise within Immunology and Inflammation plus 10–12 years of global management experience working with matrix teams.
• Extensive experience leading drug discovery teams and projects, preferably in pharma/biotech settings covering gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development, with ability to anticipate and remove roadblocks.
• Proven track record leading numerous projects across discovery from inception to nomination or beyond; major involvement in INDs.
• Experience delivering clinical development assets with biologics and multiple modalities.
• Strong inclusive leadership, ability to inspire diverse teams, and proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Strong business acumen with regulatory, commercial, and modality-specific knowledge.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences; proven ability to build collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization.
• Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making abilities; demonstrated success in strategic partnerships with academia and industry.

Education

• PhD or equivalent with extensive industry experience in Immunology and Inflammation; 10–12 years global management experience preferred.